Former Lions Player Faces Felony Tax Charges Over Closed Detroit Restaurant

Detroit residents who dined at Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles are now seeing the restaurant’s former owner in court. Ronald Bartell, 44, was arraigned Tuesday on felony tax charges connected to the now-shuttered eatery.

According to the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Bartell faces five counts of failure to file, false return, or payment. Each count carries a potential five-year prison sentence. The allegations center on violations of state sales tax laws.

Bartell formed Kuzzo’s LLC to operate the soul food restaurant on Livernois Avenue, also known as the Avenue of Fashion. The business ran from 2015 until February of this year. He was a former Detroit Lions player before opening the establishment.

Police began an investigation in the summer of 2025 and executed a search warrant at the location. Nessel stated that businesses are expected to collect, report, and remit sales tax to the state Department of Treasury. She noted that this revenue funds public schools and local governments.

"Businesses that cheat will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Nessel said in a statement. The restaurant was known for its fried chicken and waffles, as well as collard greens.

Bartell announced the closure on social media in February. He thanked Detroit for supporting the business and described the shutdown as a temporary parting rather than a final goodbye.